Technological Discourse

This project sees several iterations to optimise the building for the conditions of the continental desert climate. The office typology typically requires as large a lettable floor area as possible to maximise profitability - but the comfort of the building users is arguably the main contributing factor to employee productivity.

High year-round drybulb temperatures and very little precipitation in one of the most polluted cities in the world means that compromises in building technology have been considered such as relying entirely on a return air package ventilation system to keep the building airtight for respiratory health.

Inevitably direct sunlight is the biggest contribution to uncomfortable internal temperatures so external aluminium louvres have been provided and carefully angled to diffuse the sunlight at its most harmful periods. The structural core is connected via walkways to the office space to minimise conduction and provide an internal courtyard.

total annual energy usage

72kWh/m 2 /yr

total lettable office area

1120m 2

= annual energy usage/m 2 x lettable office area

80640kWh/yr